Carlo Ancelotti has reassured Brazil supporters that Neymar is in his plans for the 2026 World Cup, regardless of leaving the ahead out of his first Selecao squad.
Ancelotti gave his first press convention as Brazil head coach on Monday, having travelled to Rio de Janeiro forward of subsequent month’s World Cup qualifiers towards Ecuador and Paraguay.
The Italian will lead Brazil till the top of their 2026 World Cup marketing campaign as they search a record-extending sixth title, and his first process was to call a 26-man squad for these qualifiers.
Ancelotti recalled his former Actual Madrid midfielder Casemiro to the squad after a year-long absence, however there was no house for Neymar as he continues his restoration from a thigh harm.
Neymar final represented Brazil in October 2023, when he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in a World Cup qualifier towards Uruguay.
Requested about Neymar’s absence, Ancelotti advised reporters: “He has returned to Brazil to play and put together effectively for the World Cup.
“I’ve spoken to him to elucidate this name and he agrees with us.”
TIME CONVOCADO!
O treinador da Seleção Brasileira, Carlo Ancelotti, anunciou nesta segunda-feira (26) a lista dos convocados para os jogos contra Equador e Paraguai, pelas Eliminatórias da Copa do Mundo 2026.
ISSO É BRASIL! pic.twitter.com/oYWYg7R8mh
— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) Might 26, 2025
Brazil are at the moment fourth within the CONMEBOL World Cup qualification group, 10 factors adrift of runaway leaders Argentina however with a six-point buffer to Venezuela within the play-off spot.
However their new boss believes of their probabilities of lifting the World Cup at MetLife Stadium subsequent July.
“The primary impression is that it’s an awesome honour to guide one of the best nationwide workforce on the earth,” Ancelotti mentioned. “I realise Brazil need to be champions once more.
“I obtained a whole lot of affection, I do know we’re going to do very effectively. I thank the CBF for bringing me right here, and Actual Madrid for giving me the chance to barter.”
Ancelotti additionally predicted that his native Italy might be amongst Brazil’s principal rivals at subsequent 12 months’s event, including: “Soccer has totally different eras and generations, these can have an effect on the outcomes. I imagine Italy and Brazil might be aggressive once more subsequent 12 months.
“Italy labored actually arduous and Brazil have at all times been at a excessive degree. For instance, Brazil had arguably one of the best squad in 1982, however Italy received as a result of you must mix expertise with the spirit of sacrifice and arduous work with a purpose to succeed.”
Brazil squad: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians); Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Danilo (Flamengo), Leo Ortiz (Flamengo), Wesley (Flamengo), Alexsandro (Lille), Lucas Beraldo (Paris Saint-Germain), Carlos Augusto (Inter), Vanderson (Monaco); Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Andrey Santos (Strasbourg), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Ederson (Atalanta), Gerson (Flamengo); Antony (Actual Betis), Estevao (Palmeiras), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Wolves), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham), Vinicius Junior (Actual Madrid).